Integrated paving system and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to machine for distributing and compacting paving mix on a paving surface. The machine includes a mix unloading section, an auger, a screed, a first drive arrangement, and a second drive arrangement. The auger distributes the mix on a paving surface. The screed compacts the mix on a paving surface. The first drive arrangement includes road wheels for self transport at highway speeds. The second drive arrangement includes a track assembly for jobsite transportation during a paving operation.

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.13/265,274, filed Oct. 19, 2011, which was the National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/US10/31771, filed Apr. 20, 2010 andwhich claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/214,091and 61/214,092, filed Apr. 20, 2009. The disclosure of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/265,274, International Application No. PCT/US10/31771, andU.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/214,091 and 61/214,092 are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a machine for distributing andcompacting paving mix on a paving surface

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the paving art, productivity is a function of the volume of mix thatcan be delivered to the project and the overall speed of the lay-downand compaction process. The compaction process is typically the mostlimiting operation at the jobsite, while mix throughput is ordinarilyless of an issue with regard to jobsite productivity. Accordingly, thenumber of compactors required and time available for mat densificationhas the greatest influence on productivity. Safety and cost are verymuch an issue with today's methodology, which typically employs a largenumber of persons to conduct the paving operation due to the fact thateach machine is individually operated/controlled.

The present invention relates to a machine for distributing andcompacting paving mix on a paving surface that is provided with firstand second drive arrangements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a machine fordistributing and compacting paving mix on a paving surface includes amix unloading section, an auger, a screed, a first drive arrangement,and a second drive arrangement. The auger distributes the mix on apaving surface. The screed compacts the mix on a paving surface. Thefirst drive arrangement includes road wheels for self transport athighway speeds. The second drive arrangement includes a track assemblyfor jobsite transportation during a paving operation.

ASPECTS

According to one aspect of the present invention, a machine fordistributing and compacting paving mix on a paving surface includes amix unloading section, an auger, a screed, a first drive arrangement,and a second drive arrangement. The auger distributes the mix on apaving surface. The screed compacts the mix on a paving surface. Thefirst drive arrangement includes road wheels for self transport athighway speeds. The second drive arrangement includes a track assemblyfor jobsite transportation during a paving operation.

Preferably, the track assembly, screed, and auger are provided with afirst position and a second position, wherein the first position iselevated relative to the second position and the track assembly, screed,and auger are lowered into the second position to place the trackassembly in contact with a ground surface and to position the screed andauger at a proper height for a paving operation.

Preferably, the machine further includes an operator's control interfacethat is positioned towards the front of the paving machine during selftransport at highway speeds and towards the rear of the paving machinefor jobsite transport during a paving operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a paving machine according to one embodiment configured forself transport at highway speeds with the road wheels down and the trackvertically retracted.

FIGS. 2A-2C shows the paving machine according to one embodiment inthree views lowering the track assembly to convert for a pavingoperation.

FIG. 3 shows the paving machine according to one embodiment deploying acontainer loading conveyor section support (left side of the figure infront of the wheels) and unfolding the front ramped container loadingconveyor section (left) and rear ramped container offloading conveyorsection (right side).

FIG. 4 is a top view of the paving machine according to one embodimentconfigured for a paving operation showing the front ramped containerloading conveyor section (left) and rear ramped container offloadingconveyor section (right side) in deployed positions.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a belt or chain drive provided on thefront ramped container loading conveyor section and the rear rampedcontainer offloading conveyor section in one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top view showing a belt or chain drive provided on the frontramped container loading conveyor section and the rear ramped containeroffloading conveyor section in one embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a door opening mechanism on one embodiment of the pavingmachine.

FIG. 8A shows a collapsible portable paving mix container according toone embodiment in an extended position.

FIG. 8B shows a collapsible portable paving mix container according toone embodiment in a collapsed position.

FIG. 9 shows a mix unloading section of one embodiment of the pavingmachine.

FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of the paving machine loading, unloading,and offloading the portable paving mix containers.

FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of the paving machine loading a portablepaving mix container and unloading paving mix from another portablepaving mix container.

FIG. 12 shows a portable paving mix container according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a rear view of the paving machine unloading mix from aportable paving mix container and illustrates the traffic controlfeatures of the portable paving mix container.

FIG. 14 shows a bottom of a portable paving mix container according toone embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows a bottom of a portable paving mix container according toone embodiment with the doors open.

FIG. 16 shows a bottom of a portable paving mix container according toone embodiment in a collapsed position.

FIG. 17 shows a front or rear of the portable paving mix containeraccording to one embodiment provided with protrusions on the bottom.

FIG. 18 shows an interior of a portable paving mix container accordingto one embodiment showing a paving mix diversion section of the portablepaving mix container.

FIG. 19 shows one embodiment of a feedback loop for monitoring pavementbearing capacity.

FIGS. 20A and 20B shows a screed according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTON OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-6 and 8 show a paving machine 10 according to one embodiment.Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the pavingmachine 10 is configured to lay down paving mix, including, for example,and not limitation, asphalt or concrete.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the paving machine 10includes at least one drive arrangement that is used to propel thepaving machine 10. According to another aspect of the presentembodiment, the paving machine 10 may be configured for both over theroad self transport at highway speeds, i.e. speeds of at least 45 mphand as well as jobsite transport during a paving operation, i.e. atspeeds of less than or equal to 10 mph. According to yet another aspectof the present embodiment, the paving machine 10 may be equipped withtwo independent drive arrangements 15 and 20.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6 and 8, the first drive arrangement may includeroad wheels 15 for over the road self transport at highway speeds. Alsoshown in FIGS. 1-6 and 8, the second drive arrangement may include atrack assembly 20 for jobsite transport as the paving machine 10 laysdown paving material.

As shown in FIG. 2A-2C, the track assembly 20 may be verticallyretracted and lifted off the ground surface during over the road selftransport at highway speeds. Once the paving machine 20 is transportedto the jobsite, the track assembly 20 may be extended and lowered toplace the track assembly 20 in contact with the ground surface. In onearrangement, both the track assembly 20 and the paving machine body 11,including the screed 13 and auger 12, may be lowered via a commonmechanism to place track assembly 20 in contact with the ground surfaceand to position the screed 13 and auger 12 at the proper height for apaving operation. In another arrangement, the track assembly 20 may belowered independently of the body, the screed 13, and/or the auger 12.In such an arrangement the screed 13 and auger 12 may be loweredindependently or may be positioned at the proper height for a pavingoperation once the track assembly contacts the ground surface and theroad wheels 15 are lifted off the ground.

Also shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the road wheels 15 contact the ground surfaceduring over the road self transport. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that the lowering of the track assembly 20 for on thejob transport may also lift the road wheels 15 off the ground during onthe job transport. Alternatively, however, those of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that the road wheels 15 and the track assembly20 may both remain in contact with the ground surface during on the jobtransport. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that avariety of methods may be employed for purposes of retracting andextending the track assembly, including, but not limited to a motordrive, worm gear, step motor, pneumatic, and hydraulic mechanisms.

According to yet another aspect of the present embodiment, theoperator's control interface 25, which may be located in an enclosed orpartially enclosed cabin, may have first and second positions 25 a, 25 bdepending on whether the paving machine 10 is undergoing over the roadself transport at highway speeds or on the jobsite transport during apaving operation. As shown in FIG. 1, during over the road selftransport mode, the operator's control interface 25 may be positioned inthe first position 25 a, which may be at or towards the front of thepaving machine 10. As shown in FIG. 2A-2C, when the paving machine 10 ison the paving jobsite performing a paving operation, the controlinterface may be positioned in the second position 25 b, which may be atthe rear of the paving machine 10 or closer towards the rear of thepaving machine 10 than the first position 25 a. As shown by a comparisonof FIG. 1 to FIGS. 2A-2C, the operator's control interface may belocated at either the left or right side of the paving machine 10. Inaddition to the first and second positions 25 a, 25 b shown, any numberof additional positions with differing heights and aspect views may beprovided and any number of arrangements may be employed for purposes ofmoving the control interface 25 between the positions. By way ofexample, and not limitation, the control interface 25 may be mounted ona rail or some other mechanism and a motor drive, worm gear, step motor,pneumatic, or hydraulic mechanism may be used to adjust the positions.

As shown in FIG. 2A-4, the paving machine 10 is provided with acontainer loading conveyor section 30, a mix unloading section 40, and acontainer offloading conveyor section 50. As shown, the mix unloadingsection 40 is located between the container loading conveyor section 30and the container offloading conveyor section 50. Also shown thecontainer loading conveyor section 30 is located at the front of thepaving machine 10 and the container offloading conveyor section 50 islocated at the rear of the paving machine 10.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the container loadingconveyor section 30 may have a stowed position 30 a and a deployedposition 30 b. According to another aspect of the present embodiment,the container offloading conveyor section 50 may have a stowed position50 a and a deployed position 50 b. Turning now to FIGS. 2A-2C, thestowed positions 30 a, 50 a of the respective container loading conveyorsection 30 and the container offloading conveyor section 50 are shown.Turning now to FIG. 4, the deployed positions 30 b, 50 a of therespective container loading conveyor section 30 and the containeroffloading conveyor section 50 are shown.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, as the container loading conveyor section 30and the container offloading conveyor section 50 transition from thestowed positions 30 a, 50 a to the deployed positions 30 b, 50 b, thecontainer loading conveyor section 30 and the container offloadingconveyor section 50 are unfolded to extend outwards in oppositedirections from the mix unloading section 40. As shown in FIG. 3 acontainer loading conveyor section support 31, which supports thecontainer loading conveyor section 30 while deployed, may also beextended horizontally from the paving machine 10 during the transition.The screed 13 may also function as support for the container offloadingconveyor section 50.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3 as the container loading conveyor section30 and the container offloading conveyor section 50 transition to thestowed positions 30 a, 50 a from the deployed positions 30 b, 50 b, thecontainer loading conveyor section 30 and the container offloadingconveyor section 50 are folded inwards, for example, and not limitation,whereby they are positioned over the mix unloading section 40, wherebythe paving machine 10 is compacted and the overall length of the pavingmachine 10 is reduced relative to the deployed positions 30 b, 50 b.Advantageously, during over the road transport at highway speeds, thecontainer loading conveyor section 30 and the container offloadingconveyor section 50 may be folded into the stowed positions 30 a, 50 ain order to facilitate over the road transport at highway speeds.Likewise, during on the jobsite transport during a paving operation, thecontainer loading conveyor section 30 and the container offloadingconveyor section 50 may be folded into the deployed positions 30 a, 50 ain order to facilitate loading and unloading of portable paving mixcontainers, as hereinafter discussed. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that a variety of hydraulic or pneumatic systems may beemployed for purposes of transitioning between the stowed and deployedpositions.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the paving machine 10is configured to receive a portable paving mix container, such as, forexample, and not limitation, portable paving mix container 100 shown inFIGS. 5-8. According to another aspect of the present embodiment, thecontainer loading convey section 30 is configured to receive a portablepaving mix container as it is loaded onto the paving machine 10.

The form of loading the portable paving mix container onto the containerloading conveyor section may take a variety of forms. In onearrangement, a vehicle, such as, for example, a fork lift or mini crane,may off load portable paving mix containers 100 directly onto thecontainer loading conveyor section 30. In another arrangement the pavingmachine 10 may self load the portable paving mix containers. By way ofexample, the paving machine may be outfitted with a mini crane orelevator.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the preferred embodiment, the container loadingconveyor section 30 is configured to self load the portable paving mixcontainers onto the paving machine. As shown, in FIGS. 4 and 10, whenthe container loading conveyor section 30 is deployed it is preferablyramped so that it inclines upwards from a ground surface. As shown inFIGS. 4-6, the container loading conveyor section 30 may also include abelt or chain drive 32 that self loads the portable paving mix containeronto the paving machine 10. As shown best in FIG. 6, the belt or chaindrive 32 may include a plurality of protrusions or depressions 33 thatmate with respective protrusions or depressions 133 on a bottom 100 a ofthe portable paving mix containers 100 during self loading. Also shown,the bottom 100 a of the portable paving mix containers 100 may beprovided with a chamfered edge 131 that assists self loading.

Advantageously, during self loading, the container loading conveyorsection 30 may be slid or positioned under the chamfered edge 131 andunder the bottom 100 a of the portable paving mix containers 100 untilthe depressions or protrusions 33 on the belt or chain drive 32 matewith the depressions or protrusions 33 on the bottom 100 a of theportable paving mix container. Thereafter, the belt or chain drive 32may pull the portable paving mix containers 100 up the ramped containerloading conveyor section 30 and onto the paving machine. In a similarmanner, the container loading conveyor section 30 may transport theportable paving mix container 100 to the mix unloading section 40 of thepaving machine 10.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the paving machine 10is configured to unload the mix from the portable paving mix container.According to another aspect of the present embodiment the paving machine10 is configured to unload the mix from the portable paving mixcontainer into the mix unloading section 40. The form of unloading thepaving mix from the portable paving mix container may take a variety offorms within the scope of the present invention. By way of example, andnot limitation, the portable paving mix container may be tilted ordumped to unload the paving mix into the mix unloading section 40.

In the preferred embodiment, wherein the portable paving mix container100 is utilized, the paving machine 10 opens at least one door 135, andpreferably first and second doors 135, provided on the bottom 100 a ofthe portable paving mix container 100 in order to release the pavingmix. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it iswithin the scope of the present invention to use a variety of mechanismsfor purposes of opening the doors 135. By way of example, and notlimitation, FIG. 7 illustrates one possible door opening mechanism 41,which may be provided above the mix unloading section 40. As shown inFIGS. 7 and 14-15, the door opening mechanism 41 may apply torque to adoor control mechanism 137 connected to the doors 135 to cause the doors135 to slidably open and the paving mix to be released. As the pavingmix is released, a paving mix conveyor 42 within the mix unloadingsection 40 may transport the paving mix to the auger 12 and screed 13.

According to another aspect of the present embodiment, the mix unloadingsection 40 is configured to transport the portable paving mix containerto the container offloading conveyor section 50. As shown in FIG. 4, themix unloading section preferably includes a container conveyor 43 fortransporting the container to the container offloading conveyor section50. As shown the container conveyor 43 is preferably located above thepaving mix conveyor 42. The container conveyor 43 may be a belt or chaindrive similar to the belt or chain drive 32 provided on the containerloading conveyor section 30 and may if desired include protrusions ordepressions similar to the depressions and protrusions 33 provided onthe container loading conveyor section 30. In addition to transportingthe portable paving mix container to the container offloading conveyorsection 50, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thecontainer conveyor 43 may also assist in positioning the container inrelation to the door opening mechanism 41 and the paving mix conveyor 42during unloading of the paving mix from the portable paving mixcontainer. While the present embodiment is shown with a belt or chaindrive moving container conveyor 43, in an alternative embodiment theloading of subsequent portable paving mix container 100 may push anunloaded portable paving mix container off the mix unloading section 40and towards the container offloading conveyor section 50.

According to yet another aspect of the present embodiment, the mixunloading section 40 is configured to collapse the portable paving mixcontainer. While the present invention contemplates using numerouscollapsible container designs, in the presently preferred embodiment,the paving machine 10 is configured to collapse the portable paving mixcontainer 100. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the portable paving mixcontainer 100 includes two end caps 102, 103 and a center section 104that are telescopically connected. As shown in FIG. 9, for purposes ofcollapsing the portable paving mix container, the container conveyor 43may be provided with a first section 43 a and a second section 43 b. Byoperating the forward most first section 43 a at a speed that is greaterthan the speed at which the subsequent second section 43 b is operated,those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the portablepaving mix container 100 may transition from the portable paving mixcontainer 100 from an expanded configuration as shown in FIG. 8A to acollapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 8B. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 9, an elevated stop 45 may be provided at the rearward terminus ofthe mix unloading section 40. Those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the stop 45 may be connected to an actuating mechanismthat elevates the stop when it is desired to collapse the portablepaving mix container 100 and that lowers the stop when it is desired toallow the collapsed portable paving mix container 100 to be transportedto the container offloading conveyor section 50.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the paving machine 10is configured so that the portable paving mix container 100 may beoffloaded from the paving machine 10. The form of offloading theportable paving mix container from the paving machine 10 may take avariety of forms. In one arrangement, a vehicle, such as, for example, afork lift or mini crane, may off load portable paving mix containers 100from the paving machine 10 after the mix has been unloaded. In anotherarrangement the paving machine 10 may self offload the portable pavingmix containers. By way of example, the paving machine may be outfittedwith a mini crane or elevator.

In the preferred embodiment, the container offloading conveyor section50 is configured to self offload the portable paving mix containers ontothe paving machine. As shown, in FIGS. 4 and 10, when the containeroffloading conveyor section 50 is deployed it is preferably ramped sothat it declines downwards to a ground surface. Similar to the containerloading conveyor section 30, the container offloading conveyor section50 may also include a belt or chain drive 32 that self offloads theportable paving mix container from the paving machine 10. Furthermore,similar to the belt or chain drive 32 may if desired include a pluralityof protrusions or depressions similar to the protrusions or depressions33 that mate with respective protrusions or depressions 133 on a bottom100 a of the portable paving mix containers 100 during self offloading.Advantageously, once the portable paving mix containers 100 areoffloaded, they may be retrieved by a vehicle, returned to a pavementplant, returned to the expanded configuration shown in FIG. 8A andreused as a portable paving mix container.

Turning now to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 13-18, the preferred portable paving mixcontainer 100 is depicted. Although the present embodiment depicts onetype of portable paving mix container 100, those of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that it is within the scope of the presentinvention to utilize other types.

As shown, the portable paving mix container 100 preferably includes 6walls 100 a-100 f, including a bottom 100 a, top 100 b, front 100 c,rear 100 d, and side walls 100 e and 100 f. As shown, the portablepaving mix container is preferably provided with a generally rectangularbox shape. Preferably, the portable paving mix container 100 isinsulated to reduce thermal loss. By way of example, the portable pavingmix container may be fabricated to include a material with highinsulating properties. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 18, the portablepaving mix container 100 may be double walled.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the portable pavingmix container 100 is configured to be collapsible. As shown in FIGS. 8Aand 8B, the portable paving mix container 100 includes two end caps 102,103 and a center section 104 that are telescopically connected, wherebythe portable paving mix container 100 may have an extended configurationas shown in FIG. 8A and a collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 8B.In this example, the center section 104 is provided as an inner hollowrectangular tube that forms portions of the walls 100 a, 100 b, 100 e,and 100 f, and the two outer end caps 102, 103 that form portions of thebottom 100 a, top 100 b, side walls 100 e and 100 f, as well as the endfront and rear walls 100 c, 100 d. As shown, center section 104 is aninner tube that fits inside the caps 102, 103, which are supported forsliding movement relative to the inner tube. In the collapsed orcontracted state shown in FIG. 8B, the two caps 102, 103 are in abuttingrelationship.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the portable pavingmix container 100 is provided with at least one door 135, preferablylocated on the bottom 100 a. As shown, the portable paving mix container100 is preferably provided with first and second doors 135. The doors135 are shown preferably located on the end caps 102, 103 of theportable paving mix container 100; however, in an alternativeembodiment, one or more doors may be provided on the center section 104.As discussed, the paving machine 10 preferably opens the doors 135 tounload or release the paving mix into the mix unloading section 40. Asshown in FIGS. 7 and 14-15, the portable paving mix container 100preferably includes the door control mechanism 137 connected to thedoors 135, which when turned through the application of torque cause thedoors 135 to slidably open and the paving mix to be released from theportable paving mix container 100. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that the present embodiment depicts one example of doorsand that other arrangements are within the scope of the presentinvention, including arrangements where the doors swing open rather thanslidably open, as shown and arrangements wherein the doors are openedseparately.

As shown in FIG. 18, an interior of a portable paving mix container 100preferably includes a paving mix diversion section 150 that divertspaving material to the doors 135. As shown, the paving mix diversionsection 150 may be located in the center section 104 of the portablepaving mix containers 100 and positioned between the doors 135. Asshown, the diversion section 150 preferably includes include slopedwalls 151 that extend downward towards the doors 135.

According to another aspect of the present embodiment, the portablepaving mix container 100 is configured to be self loaded by the pavingmachine 10. To assist in loading the portable paving mix container 100,as shown in FIG. 12, the bottom 100 a of the portable paving mixcontainer 100 may include a chamfer 131 positioned along the bottom 100e and rear 100 d of portable paving mix container 100. The chamfer 131aids the self loading of the portable paving mix container 100 onto thecontainer loading conveyor section 30, which may be slid or positionedunder the chamfered edge 131 and then the bottom 100 a of the portablepaving mix container.

As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 17, the bottom 100 e of the portablepaving mix container may also include a plurality of protrusions ordepressions 133 that mate with the respective depressions or protrusions33 on the belt or chain drive 32 of the container loading conveyorsection 30 during self loading. As shown, plurality of protrusions ordepressions 133 may extend linearly along opposing edges of the bottom100 a and in the case of protrusions support the collapsible portablepaving mix container. In a preferred arrangement the plurality ofprotrusions 133 would be recessed or flush relative to below the centersection 104, which may function as the primary support surface in orderto evenly distribute the weight of the portable paving mix container 100and its contents. However, those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that it in embodiments wherein the protrusions 133 are flushthat the protrusions 133 may function to partially support the portablepaving mix container 100 and its contents as well.

Turning now to FIG. 13, the exterior surface of the portable paving mixcontainer 100 may be provided with traffic control signals 150. Asshown, the traffic control signals 155 are preferably located on therearward side of the portable paving mix container 100. The trafficcontrol signals 155 are preferably in the form of a programmableelectronic display as shown, but may also, within the scope of thepresent invention, be any type of graphical signal, including one thatis magnetically affixed or otherwise temporarily affixed to the portablepaving mix container 100.

As shown in FIG. 18, the portable paving mix container 100 may alsoinclude a radio frequency identification chip 160 and/or a gps trackingdevice 170 to assist in precise positioning and tracking of the locationand condition, for example, filled with paving material, emptied ofpaving mix, collapsed condition, expanded condition, of portable pavingmix container 100.

Advantageously, the preferred portable paving mix container 100construction provides the benefit of a space-saving collapsible designand an integrated traffic control system alleviating the need foradditional costly equipment. Additionally, embedded RFID tags in eachportable paving mix container 100 facilitate process control throughproper positioning of full portable paving mix containers 100 andproviding traceability of the entire lay-down operation. The mix insidethe preferred portable paving mix container 100 is thus fully ‘six wallcontained’ and is thereby thermally insulated so that only negligibleheat loss occurs during the transport and staging operation prior touse. In addition, and where thermal loss is not a concern, the apparatusoffers significant value in its ability to prevent mechanicalsegregation during transportation and delivery of the mix to the pavingmachine 10. The bottom 100 a includes discharge doors 135 which areopened when the preferred portable paving mix container 100 ispositioned at the hopper/conveyor 43 of the mix unloading section 40.The preferred portable paving mix container bottom 100 a, top 100 b, andside walls 100 e and 100 f are designed to extend in a telescopingmanner to expand to accept a full mix load and collapse or contract whenemptied to facilitate recovery.

During a paving operation, the paving machine 10 is configured with theforward and rear ramped conveyor sections 30, 50 in the deployedpositions 30 b, 50 b and the tracks 20 deployed. The loaded portablepaving mix containers 100 are delivered to the paving location andarrayed to be picked up the paving machine 10. According to thepreferred embodiment, portable paving mix containers 100 may bedelivered and positioned in conjunction with a GPS-coordinated placementstrategy, which will allow the lay-down process to be conducted in anon-stop fashion resulting in no need for concern about matimperfections resulting from idle screed settling. Advantageously aplurality of the portable paving mix containers 100 may be placed on apaving surface at spaced intervals, wherein the spaced intervals aredimensioned according to an amount of pavement formed by the paving mixof the portable paving mix containers 100 a. Advantageously, in apreferred arrangement, the spaced intervals may be dimensioned toprecisely correspond to an amount pavement formed by the paving mix ofthe portable paving mix containers 100.

After the portable paving mix containers 100 are placed along the pavingsurface, the paving machine picks up a loaded portable paving mixcontainer 100 on the front ramped conveyor section 30 and moves it tothe container conveyor 43 of the mix unloading section 40, where the mixis discharged from the portable paving mix container 100. The doors 125may be opened simultaneously or the leading discharge door 135 may beopened first and then as the portable paving mix container 100 movesfully onto the container conveyor 43, the other door 135 may open.

As the portable paving mix container 100 completes unloading, the pavingmachine 10 causes the portable paving mix containers 100 to compress tothe collapsed state shown in FIG. 8B. Simultaneously, another portablepaving mix container 100 may be picked up by the front loading conveyorsection 30, and moved to mix unloading section 40 whereat the paving mixis unloaded.

When the first portable paving mix container 100 is empty and the pavingmachine 10 completes the contraction/collapse operation, the conveyorsection 43 moves the collapsed portable paving mix container 100 to therear ramped conveyor section 50 to be unloaded from the machine forrecovery and re-use. As the second portable paving mix container 100continues to discharge its load at the hopper/conveyer 43 and iscollapsed, a third POD may be picked up by the front ramped conveyorsection 30 and moved into position to discharge its mix load.

The ability to continuously unload mix from the portable paving mixcontainers 100 combined with a high conveyor/hopper 43 capacity may in apreferred arrangement facilitate non-stop or continuous pavingoperation. A wide slat conveyor 43 may move the paving mix from thehopper into the auger chamber. Variable pitch and speed radial flightsthen may be provided on the auger 12 to extend the mix laterally to theselected paving width, just ahead of the high-density screed 13, whichmay also be width adjustable.

The operator may monitor and controls all paving functions from thecontrol interface 25. The paving machine 10 may collect data from alloperating systems for real-time local or remote process control. Thepaving machine 10 may use this information to communicate in real timewith the paving mix plant and any container 100 delivery vehicles, whichtransport the containers 100 from the plant to the jobsite. The controlinterface 25 may include a heads up display that shows operatingparameters including forward speed, paving width, lay down thickness andmore.

Turning now to FIG. 19 a feedback loop 200 according to one embodimentis shown. As shown therein, pavement relative density readings may bemonitored by appropriate sensors 201. This stiffness measure or densityreadings may be obtained using multiple measuring technologies,including, but not limited to, accelerometers, nuclear densitometers,and/or non-nuclear electrical impedance monitors. These readings may betaken across the full pavement 300 width. The readings may be displayed,stored, transmitted, and used as part of a feedback loop 200 for makingreal time changes to the variable tamping screed, i.e. to adjust thepressure or force exerted by the screed 13 on the pavement 300 in orderto achieve a desired pavement density. By way of example and notlimitation, one or more electronics 202 may be provided that receiveoutput signals from the sensors 201 and which automatically adjust theforce 205 exerted by the screed 13 on the pavement 300. Alternatively oradditionally, the density readings may be shown on a display 203 and theoperator may make manual adjustments.

In addition to an extendable augers 12 for uniform distribution ahead ofthe high-density screed 13, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the screed 13may be provided with multiple sections, including the center main screed13 a with primary and secondary extensions 13 b and 13 c on both leftand right sides of the main screed 13 a. The main screed section and allfour extensions are fitted with high-density tampers 15 in their leadingsections, and also incorporate high-frequency vibrators 16 in theirtrailing sections. The tampers function to provide effective air voidremoval from the deeper portion of the pavement section being placed;the vibrators are specialized for efficient removal of voids nearer thepavement surface and also assist with maximizing surface smoothnesscharacteristics. The main screed 13 a may be capable of being adjustedto provide either positive or negative crown to the pavement 300 surfaceand is infinitely adjustable for angle of attack. Each extension 13 b,13 c is individually adjusted for slope as well as for angle of attack.The one or more electronics 202 or operator may adjust stroke of thetampers 15 and frequency of the vibrators 16 in accordance withmeasurements of pavement 300 stiffness recorded under the main screed 13a and under each separate extension 13 b and 13 c.

In addition to the stiffness and/or density sensors 201, additionalsensors 211, including, but not limited to, infrared and microwavesensors may continuously monitor pavement 300 surface and pavement 300core temperatures; this data may be stored on the one or moreelectronics 202 along with the stiffness and/or density data fordocumentation of the paving process. Centimeter-level accuracy of thelocations of the data is achieved may be tracked using a machine-basedglobal positioning system receiver that is tied to another GPS receiverpositioned adjacent to the construction activity. Operation of thepaving machine 10 may be semi-automatic once the initial adjustmentshave been performed. The one or more electronics 202 adjusts the paverguidance system, its grade and slope, the stroke of tampers and thefrequency of the vibrators housed inside the main screed 13 and anyscreed extensions in a manner whereby manual intervention may not berequired and whereby subsequent finishing by a roller may not berequired to achieve proper compaction.

Advantageously, the preferred aspects of the paving machine 10 maximizesyield without sacrificing quality and greatly improves jobsite safety.Through the use of this methodology, the work zone is greatly reduced insize thereby reducing traffic disruption and promoting safety. Theportable paving mix containers 100 may be equipped with traffic controlsignals 155 on the end walls 100 c, 100 d, which may include a lightedarrow system to indicate a safe passing direction for following trafficand hazard markings.

Because the unit is fully OTR capable, no longer is there a need forpermitting oversized/over weight equipment. The use of continuousportable paving mix containers 100 entry, process, and dischargepromotes continuous operation and thereby eliminating mat imperfectionssuch as screed settling and ‘truck bumps’. With the preferred design ofthe paving machine 10, the machine and process may be all ‘single mancontrolled’ unlike today's methods which require multiple operator'sranging from paver operator, screed men, dump man, MTV operator,equipment haul vehicle operator, etc.

Furthermore, while it is within scope of the present embodiment for thepaving machine 10 to be powered via a conventional diesel or gasolineengine, the paving machine 10 may incorporate many “green” technologies.By way of example, power may be provided by integrated fuel cells orhybrid electric technology. Use of fuel cells in particular mayeliminate noise and emissions or fumes from the entire paving process.Additionally, the paving mix may be quick curing and include an organicbinder. Furthermore, the use of reusable portable paving mix containers100 also permits large scale recycling.

The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not exhaustivedescriptions of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to bewithin the scope of the invention. Persons skilled in the art willrecognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments mayvariously be combined or eliminated to create further embodiments, andsuch further embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of theinvention. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart that the above-described embodiments may be combined in whole or inpart to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings ofthe invention. Thus, although specific embodiments of, and examples for,the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatwhile various preferred aspects of the invention have been disclosed,that the present invention is not so limited. Rather, the scope of theinvention is determined from the appended claims and equivalentsthereof.

I claim:
 1. A machine for distributing and compacting paving mix on apaving surface, comprising: a mix unloading section; an auger fordistributing the mix on a paving surface; a screed for compacting themix on a paving surface; a first drive arrangement that includes roadwheels for self transport at highway speeds; and a second drivearrangement that includes a track assembly for jobsite transportationduring a paving operation.
 2. The machine for distributing andcompacting paving mix on a paving surface according to claim 1, whereinthe track assembly, screed, and auger are provided with a first positionand a second position, wherein the first position is elevated relativeto the second position and the track assembly, screed, and auger arelowered into the second position to place the track assembly in contactwith a ground surface and to position the screed and auger at a properheight for a paving operation.
 3. The machine for distributing andcompacting paving mix on a paving surface according to claim 1, furthercomprising an operator's control interface that is positioned towardsthe front of the paving machine during self transport at highway speedsand towards the rear of the paving machine for jobsite transport duringa paving operation.